Welcome to

Summerhill Early Learning

Mobile:

022 657 9833 (Kowhai - Infants)

027 619 6806 (Karaka - Toddlers)

027 205 9080 (Whero - Pre-schoolers)

Email: summerhill@rka.org.nz

203 Ruapehu Drive, Palmerston North 4410

A teacher and a young child looking at a drawing on a table in a classroom. The classroom has shelves, windows, and other children in the background.

Enrol
today!

Education, learning through play, 100% qualified teachers, and amazing play spaces - learn about the Ruahine Kindergarten Association approach that's part of all our locations.

Why Us

Young girl hanging upside down on a playground swing, smiling and wearing a red hat, light blue jacket, pink pants, and dark shoes, in a playground with wood chip surface and other children and adults in the background.

Consistency, Shared Playground, Engage Programme, Tuakana Teina.

Ruahine Summerhill Early Learning is a welcoming space for your tamariki, whatever their age.

We have three learning spaces for infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. Each room is well-resourced and purpose-built to meet the learning and care needs of its tamariki. There's also large natural outdoor areas, and a shared playground so little ones can interact and learn from the "big kids".

We have consistent routines to help your tamariki feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Our teachers use both the Engage programme, which develops emotional, cognitive, and behavioural skills through structured play, and Incredible Years Autism strategies to support children on the autism spectrum.

From messy play to growing vegetables, construction, and outdoor adventures, our environment sparks creativity and confidence.

It takes a village to raise a child – find yours with us. Pop in anytime — or if you'd prefer to book a visit get in touch and let’s organise your free tour today.

Three young children playing with sand timers on a table in a classroom or craft space.

Manaakitanga
Kotahitanga
Whanaungatanga
Kaitiakitanga

What you need to know

Enrolments are now open.

Age range: 3 months - 5 years old
Session times: 7.30 am–5.30 pm
Up to 20 hours free for 3–5 year olds, beyond that, fees apply (we can also help you find out if you’re eligible for childcare subsidies)
Proud to support a sustainable world - we’re an Enviroschool
Open throughout the year except public holidays and teacher-only days

Why whānau choose us as their village

“I cannot recommend the Summerhill team enough. We have recently enrolled our two boys into the Whero room and have watched them flourish since.”
“This centre provides a warm, welcoming and safe environment which has allowed our boys to foster their independence and grow into content and creative boys. The teaching team have an amazing awareness of each child’s individual needs and interests, which are always reflected in the diverse activities on offer.”
“I am in awe at the change I have seen in my children since beginning at Summerhill and look forward to more exciting kindy stories each day.”
“Provides messy play that I don’t want to have to deal with at home!”

A woman smiling and looking at two young children with curly hair, working on illuminated tablets at a table in a classroom.

Why should you come for a tour?

Visiting our locations is a great way to see which is the right fit for your tamariki and whānau. During your tour you’ll meet us, check out our learning spaces and get a feel for our values and routines. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

Come and discover the difference Ruahine Kindergarten Association will make for your whānau - we’ll be thrilled to show you and your tamariki around!

Get in touch and let’s organise your free tour today.

Find your people

We’re very friendly—so come say hi! We’d love to arrange a time for you to visit.